The Go Make Things Podcast
Episodes
Episode 163 - More myself online
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how I often feel more myself online than IRL.In today’s episode, I talk about how I often feel more myself onlin...
Episode 162 - The environmental impact of the web we build
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how the web is driving climate change, and what we can do about it.In today’s episode, I talk about how the web ...
Episode 161 - Managing your energy as a developer with ADHD
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the importance of managing your energy (and having control over your tasks) as a developer with ADHD.In today’s ...
Episode 160 - A formula for debugging
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about a formula I use for debugging code and asking for help.In today’s episode, I talk about a formula I use for debu...
Episode 159 - How your tools work
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the importance of understanding how your code works.In today’s episode, I talk about the importance of understan...
Episode 158 - Just grab a library
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how not made here syndrome has been replaced by just grab a library, and why they're both bad.In today’s episode...
Episode 157 - Cool URLs don't change, but they don't have to last forever
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why a website doesn't have to be a lifetime commitment.In today’s episode, I talk about why a website doesn&rsqu...
Episode 156 - Structuring functions
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about when to to break functions into smaller pieces, and how to avoid over-engineering.In today’s episode, I talk abo...
Episode 155 - Durable websites
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about building web things that are made to last.In today’s episode, I talk about building web things that are made to ...
Episode 154 - Spaghetti code is a people problem
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why more tech won't fix your spaghetti code.In today’s episode, I talk about why more tech won’t fix your ...
Episode 153 - Alienating the right people
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why its ok to alienate some people, and the importance of owning your content.In today’s episode, I talk about w...
Episode 152 - Tech is more political than ever
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how tech permeates all aspects of tech, even when it doesn't seem like it.In today’s episode, I talk about how t...
Episode 151 - Free and indie
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about doubling down on free developer resources.In today’s episode, I talk about doubling down on free developer resou...
Episode 150 - The language of fascism
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how fascism invades our online communities by using polite language and veiled messages.In today’s episode, I ta...
Episode 149 - The tech industry is about to get a lot worse
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the intersection of tech and politics in light of the recent US election.In today’s episode, I talk about the in...
Episode 148 - Bye, bye build steps!
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how and why I ditched build steps for all of my CSS and JS files, and whether or not it was a good idea.In today’...
Episode 147 - The role of Web Components in your site or app
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the role Web Components play in your site or app (and why the're not the right choice for a full design system).In...
Episode 146 - It lets me write less JS!
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why writing less JS might be a bad goal (what!?!).In today’s episode, I talk about why writing less JS might be ...
Episode 145 - The Shadow DOM is an anti-pattern
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why I think the Shadow DOM is a solution in search of a problem.In today’s episode, I talk about why I think the...
Episode 144 - Front end devs do not understand web accessibility
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about some awful comments on Hacker News, and why they're wrong.In today’s episode, I talk about some awful comments o...
Episode 143 - Vanilla JS doesn't scale
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about some nonsense developer sometimes spout about vanilla JavaScript.In today’s episode, I talk about some nonsense ...
Episode 142 - PHP Islands Architecture
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about using PHP with a static site generator to build fast, resilient websites with dynamic content.In today’s episode...
Episode 141 - My obsidian setup
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about my setup in Obsidian.In today’s episode, I talk about my setup in Obsidian.Show Notes & Transcript →Lik...
Episode 140 - Getting stuff done as a developer with ADHD
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to get stuff done as a developer with ADHD.In today’s episode, I talk about how to get stuff done as a devel...
Episode 139 - Detecting when a Web Component is loaded with CSS
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about to detect when a Web Component is loaded using just CSS.In today’s episode, I talk about to detect when a Web Co...
Episode 138 - The elevator pitch for web components
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why I think Web Component are the best way to author DOM manipulation libraries.In today’s episode, I talk about...
Episode 137 - HTML Web Components
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about HTML Web Components, an approach to authoring Web Components that focuses on enhancing existing HTML.In today’s ...
Episode 136 - HUG CSS, my approach to CSS architecture
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about HUG CSS, how I approach engineering my CSS.In today’s episode, I talk about HUG CSS, how I approach engineering ...
Episode 135 - Classless vs. class-based CSS design systems
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about classless vs. class-based CSS design systems, and the pros and cons of each.In today’s episode, I talk about cla...
Episode 134 - The craft of the web
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the craft of building things for the web.In today’s episode, I talk about the craft of building things for the w...
Episode 133 - Learning javascript
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about learning JavaScript, why its so hard, and what I think is a good way to approach it.In today’s episode, I talk a...
Episode 132 - Dave Letorey on the State of the Browser Conference
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I chat with Dave Letorey about web standards, dev education, and the State of the Browser conference.In today’s episode, I ch...
Episode 131 - How do you use the platform when platform features aren't evenly distributed?
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to use platform features across various browsers.In today’s episode, I talk about how to use platform featur...
Episode 130 - The fear of keeping up
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to keep up with an industry that's rapidly changing (spoiler: you can't!).In today’s episode, I talk about h...
Episode 129 - The joy of simplicity in web development
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how simpler web development are better for developers, too (and not just users).In today’s episode, I talk about...
Episode 128 - WTF is the Lean Web!?
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about what the Lean Web actually is.In today’s episode, I talk about what the Lean Web actually is.Show Notes & Tr...
Episode 126 - A web for everyone
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about building a web that works for everyone.In today’s episode, I talk about building a web that works for everyone.S...
Episode 125 - Coding and cheap speakers
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about coding, build tools, web performance, and cheap speakers.In today’s episode, I talk about coding, build tools, w...
Episode 124 - How to build lean, efficient websites in 2023
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to build lean efficient websites with the modern web.In today’s episode, I talk about how to build lean effi...
Episode 123 - How to build a great developer community
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about my tips and tricks for building and maintaining a thriving developer community.In today’s episode, I talk about ...
Episode 122 - Using numeric separators for better readability in your code
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about numeric separators in JavaScript, and how they can improve code readability.In today’s episode, I talk about num...
Episode 121 - How to start an ordered list with a number other than one
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to start an ordered list with a number other than one.In today’s episode, I talk about how to start an order...
Episode 120 - How I implement location-based pricing for my courses, books, and workshops
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how I implement location-based pricing for my courses, books, and workshops.In today’s episode, I talk about how...
Episode 119 - How I create my JavaScript books and courses
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how I create my courses, books, and workshops.In today’s episode, I talk about how I create my courses, books, a...
Episode 118 - Congrats, you're a front end developer!
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about what makes someone a front end developer.In today’s episode, I talk about what makes someone a front end develop...
Episode 117 - Accessibility with Ben Myers
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk aboutIn today’s episode, I talk aboutShow Notes & Transcript →Like this? A Lean Web Club membership is the be...
Episode 116 - Abbreviations suck
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about about how the abbreviation element sucks.In today’s episode, I talk about about how the abbreviation element suc...
Episode 115 - Put JSX in the browser, you cowards!
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about JSX in the browser.In today’s episode, I talk about JSX in the browser.Show Notes & Transcript →Like th...
Episode 114 - Flexbox vs. CSS Grid
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about Flexbox versus CSS Grid, and when to pick one over the other.In today’s episode, I talk about Flexbox versus CSS...
Episode 113 - Inclusive design and post-it notes
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to advocate for inclusive design when other developers or leadership push back.In today’s episode, I talk ab...
Episode 112 - How I self-publish this podcast
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how I self-publish the Vanilla JS Podcast.In today’s episode, I talk about how I self-publish the Vanilla JS Pod...
Episode 111 - Alternatives to build tools
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about whether or not build tools are still useful.In today’s episode, I talk about whether or not build tools are stil...
Episode 110 - How teams choose the tools they use
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how teams choose the tools that they use.In today’s episode, I talk about how teams choose the tools that they u...
Episode 109 - How to choose which JavaScript framework to use
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to choose which framework or library to useIn today’s episode, I talk about how to choose which framework or...
Episode 108 - Build things that work, even when parts of it break
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to build things that work, even when parts of it break.In today’s episode, I talk about how to build things ...
Episode 107 - Web development can literally kill people
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how web development can actually be a matter of life and death.In today’s episode, I talk about how web developm...
Episode 106 - Fundamental skills for front-end developers
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about fundamental skills front-end web developers.In today’s episode, I talk about fundamental skills front-end web de...
Episode 105 - Under-engineer your JavaScript
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about simplicity and the value of under-engineering your code.In today’s episode, I talk about simplicity and the valu...
Episode 104 - HTML first
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the world's best programming language, HTML.In today’s episode, I talk about the world’s best programming ...
Episode 103 - Most front end work is solving common problems with fundamental skills
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how most programming is actually pretty mundane.In today’s episode, I talk about how most programming is actuall...
Episode 102 - You are not your tools
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how you are not the tools you use to build things for the web.In today’s episode, I talk about how you are not t...
Episode 101 - Bob Ross and imposter syndrome
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about Bob Ross and imposter syndrome.In today’s episode, I talk about Bob Ross and imposter syndrome.Show Notes & ...
Episode 100 - You don't have to remember everything to be a good programmer
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about what you need to know to be a good programmer (and how it's not the details about how every little function and me...
Episode 99 - How to keep your JavaScript organized
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to structure and organize your JavaScript as projects grow and scale.In today’s episode, I talk about how to...
Episode 98 - The Not Quite Black Friday Sale
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about my best sale of the year.In today’s episode, I talk about my best sale of the year.Show Notes & Transcript &...
Episode 97 - An alt text case study
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I look at an example of alt text in the wild, and how we can make it better.In today’s episode, I look at an example of alt t...
Episode 96 - How to write good alt text
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to write good alt text for your images.In today’s episode, I talk about how to write good alt text for your ...
Episode 95 - Myths about vanilla JavaScript
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about common myths about vanilla JS (and why they're wrong).In today’s episode, I talk about common myths about vanill...
Episode 94 - When should you optimize performance?
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about work flows and when you should optimize for performance.In today’s episode, I talk about work flows and when you...
Episode 93 - Naming things in JavaScript
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about tips and tricks for naming things in JavaScript.In today’s episode, I talk about tips and tricks for naming thin...
Episode 92 - Reinvesting the wheel for fun and profit
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the hype cycle of web development.In today’s episode, I talk about the hype cycle of web development.Show Notes ...
Episode 91 - The best solution to every programming challenge
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the best solution to every programing challenge you run into.In today’s episode, I talk about the best solution ...
Episode 90 - JavaScript Testing
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about testing vanilla JavaScript.In today’s episode, I talk about testing vanilla JavaScript.Show Notes & Transcri...
Episode 89 - Knowing what to focus on as a web developer
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about knowing what to focus on as a web developer.In today’s episode, I talk about knowing what to focus on as a web d...
Episode 88 - A good craftsperson never blames their tools
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the tools we use, and whether or not they matter.In today’s episode, I talk about the tools we use, and whether ...
Episode 87 - What order do files load in the browser?
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how browsers load files.In today’s episode, I talk about how browsers load files.Show Notes & Transcript &ra...
Episode 86 - Building MPAs that are as fast as SPAs
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how I build MPAs (or multi-page apps) that are as fast as SPAs... without the complexity or overhead.In today’s ...
Episode 85 - Progressive enhancement, the new hotness
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about progressive enhancement, and why it's still so important.In today’s episode, I talk about progressive enhancemen...
Episode 84 - Do I have ADHD?
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to tell if you have ADHD, and what to do after you get a diagnosis.In today’s episode, I talk about how to t...
Episode 83 - Being a developer with ADHD
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about what it's like to be a web developer with ADHD, and some of my tools and strategies for getting stuff done.In toda...
Episode 82 - Responsible JS with Jeremy Wagner
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I chat with Jeremy Wagner about his amazing new book, Responsible JS.In today’s episode, I chat with Jeremy Wagner about his ...
Episode 81 - When should you use state-based UI?
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about what state-based UI is, and when you should use it over vanilla JS.In today’s episode, I talk about what state-b...
Episode 80 - The styleguide you pick doesnt really matter
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about styleguides and their role in a development process.In today’s episode, I talk about styleguides and their role ...
Episode 79 - The rise of JavaScript compilers and micro-libraries
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about compilers and micor-libraries, and how they're helper improve web performance.In today’s episode, I talk about c...
Episode 78 - Just because you suck at CSS doesn't mean CSS sucks
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about CSS, and the people who complain about it on Twitter.In today’s episode, I talk about CSS, and the people who co...
Episode 77 - The power of coffee chats
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the power of coffee chats in your career journey.In today’s episode, I talk about the power of coffee chats in y...
Episode 76 - What is serverless?
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about what serverless is, and why its awesome.In today’s episode, I talk about what serverless is, and why its awesome...
Episode 75 - Is CSS a programming language?
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about whether or not CSS is a programming language.In today’s episode, I talk about whether or not CSS is a programmin...
Episode 74 - How I setup and configure all of my websites
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how I setup and configure the dozens of website I manage.In today’s episode, I talk about how I setup and config...
Episode 73 - Hacking the hiring process
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why job hunting sucks, and how to hack the process to make it suck less.In today’s episode, I talk about why job...
Episode 72 - Web development and climate change
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about web development, climate change, and how we can be more sustainable in our work.In today’s episode, I talk about...
Episode 71 - Images and screen readers
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how to make images more accessible.In today’s episode, I talk about how to make images more accessible.Show Note...
Episode 70 - The mobile IS the web
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about changes in how people are using the web, and why we should be building with more of a focus on mobile devices.In t...
Episode 69 - Sometimes you just need JavaScript
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how sometimes CSS and HTML can replace JavaScript, but sometimes they're not enough.In today’s episode, I talk a...
Episode 68 - Tech interviews suck
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about why tech interviews suck so much, and how we might fix them.In today’s episode, I talk about why tech interviews...
Episode 67 - Accessibility is hard. It's also your job.
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about accessibility, our role as web developers, and some tools that could make it easier.In today’s episode, I talk a...
Episode 66 - The tools you use don't matter... except when they do
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about the tools we use to build things for the web, when they matter, and when they don't.In today’s episode, I talk a...
Episode 65 - The modern web sucks: the Space Jam website
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I look at a case study on why the web sucks, through the lens of the iconic Space Jam website.In today’s episode, I look at a...
Episode 64 - Theres no such thing as a website or web app that doesn't need to be accessible
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about web accessibility, and whether or not everything we build needs to be accessible (spoiler, it does).In today’s e...
Episode 63 - Do you need build tools?
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about whether or not you need build tools as a web developer.In today’s episode, I talk about whether or not you need ...